Envy Me

Happy Friday! Hopefully you all made it through your week and are ready for some weekend mojitos right about now. I know it's only 9:24 in the morning, but it's not like you're probably doing anything. I can say this in total confidence because if you are reading my blog in real time; then you are just at your desk pretending to work. Hopefully you are looking fabulous while you're doing it too! Lucky for you, I'm going to share a little fabulous secret with you.

If you have not been to Valdosta's premier shopping experience, Colonial Mall, then you need to hop in your car at lunch and run right over. Skip all the boring mall shops and boarded up window fronts and head toward J.C Penneys. On your left will be an adorable and unexpected boutique called Envy that appeared like a miracle just before the holidays.

I was in the mall doing a little holiday shopping when an extremely fashion forward minx strolled by me. Since one doesn't see that often here, I was immediately intrigued and fashion stalked Miss Thing to get the full details of her ensemble. Turns out she worked at this fabulous new store, and let me tell you this: they had me at hello. The window display was fresh, edgy, and fun; better than that the store's decor commanded you to come in and touch everything. I like friendly stores like this, so of course I went in and tried on everything. I think I left that night with a few blouses and rings. The owner, Joanna Jones, wasn't in that evening, but I did get to meet her husband so that I could compliment her wonderful taste. The decor is in crisp black, red, and white, so the colorful and original clothing she carries really pop. I was intrigued by the crown/cross logo too, apparently Ms. Jones designed this herself and it really gives a wonderful sense of brand identity to Envy. It's one of those types of stores I can see easily going into franchise, or even having a strong online following.

She carries a great selection of fun and very fashion forward little frocks and a nice little collection of club clothing. I only like outfits that no one else has, so every time I have worn one of my Envy purchases, people ask me where it's from. I took a few pieces to Atlanta with me over the holidays and had several women at Lenox approach me about a black lace shirt I was swanning around in.

She also has a fun line of inexpensive jeans and denim skirts, plus accessories to go with everything. Then there are the shoes, and we all know that shoes are my crack. Yesterday I bought the most darling pair of suede fringe ankle wrap sandals. Yes, I know! If you read my post " Save Me From Sacajawea", you know how the Teenager feels about fringed suede sandals. He hasn't seen them yet, but I'm sure he will have something scathing to say when he does. I have decided from now on that every time he aggravates me that I am going to pull down the front of my pants to expose my heavily stretch marked lower abdomen and scream "look what you did to me!" I don't care where we are, I have no shame. I've simply had it with his snarky fashion commentary. It's like living with Christian Siriani, remember him from "Project Runway?" Quite annoying at times.

She's also just added some adorable Kitson t-shirts. If you are not familiar with Kitson, then let me fill you in. It is the hot and trendy boutique that all the cute celebrities get those wonderful casual clothes they throw on their perfect bodies. It's very OC, The Hills, ect. Anyway, I snapped up two shirts immediately before any other bitches could, and you know how happy that makes me!

The final selling point on Envy for me is that Ms. Jones is a Georgia fan, which is why she picked the color scheme the store is decorated in. As a Georgia girl myself, I am always happy to patronize anyone who is as obsessed as I am. My dream wedding would have taken place at the Georgia/Florida game. I actually approached both schools when my husband and I were planning our wedding and I saw no reason not to ask if this were possible. Sadly our request was turned down, but the rep from Georgia actually called me to let me know that I was the only person that had ever requested a half time wedding and they were really sorry they couldn't accommodate me. They did suggest the parking lot, but that was too rednecky even for me. I just wasn't quite ready for a tailgate wedding.

So go shop my dears! If you need an excuse, check yesterday's post. I have made a list of justifications for you to choose from; just close your eyes and put your finger on the screen.
I'm off to Atlanta in a few hours, so expect a full report Monday.

Love and Kisses,

Cult Diva